Archaeologists discover lost silk road cities in Uzbekistan using advanced technology
In a groundbreaking discovery, archaeologists have identified two ancient cities in the mountains of Uzbekistan that flourished along the Silk Road trade route between the 6th and 11th centuries AD. Utilizing laser-based remote-sensing technology, the team uncovered these fortified highland settlements, which have remained hidden for centuries.
The larger of the two cities, named Tugunbulak, spans approximately 300 acres and is believed to have housed tens of thousands of inhabitants. This site was a significant center for the metal industry, rivaling the renowned trade hub of Samarkand, located about 70 miles away. “Tugunbulak is many times larger and more enigmatic than other highland settlements documented in Central Asia,” noted Michael Frachetti, the lead archaeologist from Washington University in Saint Louis.
Located at altitudes of 6,560 to 7,220 feet, Tugunbulak thrived from around 550 to 1000 AD. Preliminary excavations revealed kilns and furnaces, suggesting that the city was a key site for steel production, leveraging local iron ore deposits. The discovery challenges existing historical narratives by indicating that significant industrial activity occurred far from traditional agricultural centers.
The second city, Tashbulak, was smaller—covering only a tenth of Tugunbulak’s size—with a population likely in the thousands. Lasting from approximately 730-750 to 1030-1050 AD, Tashbulak features a large cemetery with around 400 graves, reflecting the early spread of Islam in the region. “The cemetery’s size is surprising given the town’s population, indicating a significant ideological or cultural importance,” Frachetti explained.
The researchers employed drone-based lidar technology to map the cities, revealing extensive urban features including plazas, fortifications, and roads. This method allows for detailed topographical analysis, crucial for understanding the scale and layout of these ancient sites.
Frachetti emphasized the significance of these findings: “The existence of large, fortified, and planned cities at high elevation is still rare in archaeology, particularly in ancient times.” The discovery not only enriches our understanding of Silk Road history but also highlights the complex interactions between economy, culture, and political power in this pivotal region.
As researchers continue to analyze artifacts and historical records, they hope to uncover more about these lost cities and their roles in the vibrant tapestry of the Silk Road, a network that facilitated trade and cultural exchange between East and West for centuries.
